Buffalo: A Historical Craft Beer Comeback Tied to Football Fervor
In the city of Buffalo, New York, the fusion of snowstorms, craft beer, and football is more than a seasonal affair—it’s a cultural identity. Take, for instance, the enduring tale of “the six-pack blizzard” of 1985, when residents were advised to ride out a brutal storm at home with a six-pack and a Buffalo Bills game. While mainstream brews like Labatt Blue once dominated the scene, today’s Buffalo beer landscape has transformed dramatically. Walk into a local Wegmans this fall, and you’ll be greeted by an impressive tower of Bills-inspired local craft beers. Among the favorites are Pills Mafia by Thin Man Brewery, Let’s Go Pils from Community Beer Works, and Big Ditch Brewing Company’s clever No Punts Intended! IPA.
This resurgence of Buffalo’s craft beer scene is no coincidence; it runs parallel with the city’s revitalized enthusiasm for their beloved Bills. Historically, Buffalo was no stranger to prolific brewing, boasting 29 breweries before Prohibition. Now, the area is flourishing with close to 50 breweries, part of a blooming craft beer renaissance that cheerfully echoes the spirit of the Rust Belt city. As the Bills broke their playoff drought in 2018, the craft beer scene simultaneously exploded, with new establishments and creative brews capturing the imaginations—and thirsts—of fans and locals alike.
Bills-Themed Brews: A Collaborative Craft Beer Culture
Buffalo’s craft beer scene has creatively embraced its football passion. In 2018, Community Beer Works unveiled Let’s Go Pils, Thin Man Brewery introduced Pills Mafia, and Big Ditch Brewing began canning an energetically named Make Me Wanna Stout. This stout, conceptually aligned with the Bills’ battle hymn, is among many beers tapping into fans’ fervor without infringing on protected team logos or names. Matt Kahn, president and co-founder of Big Ditch, describes a wave of Bills-themed beer varieties gracing local shelves, a vivid testament to the tenacity of local brewers.
This creative drive extends to breweries like Pressure Drop Brewing, which opted for “Not a Football Beer” in 2022—a playful nod to the genre without explicit team mention. Yet, breaking into Highmark Stadium, the Bills’ home turf, has proven challenging due to existing corporate agreements. Despite the difficulty and competition with national giants, Buffalo’s craft brewers find a vibrant market in tailgating lots, where fans celebrate with local pilsners and IPAs amid game-day festivities.
Putting the Craft in Buffalo Tailgating
Tailgating in Buffalo is a celebration of craft beer ingenuity. Thin Man Brewery and Community Beer Works, understanding this high-energy ritual, created pilsners specifically designed for chilly game-day camaraderie. Yvon Pasquarello of Thin Man shares, “All you really want in a cold November parking lot is a crisp, easy-drinking pilsner.” Pasquarello, a keen tailgater himself, notes that pilsners remain a nostalgic and tactical choice for the pre-game crowd.
Andrew Zach of Resurgence Brewing adds a variety to the mix with Circle the Wagons—a four-pack combining pilsners and IPAs perfect for sharing. This friendly competition among breweries means no game or party lacks delicious diversity. As Dan Minner of Ellicottville Brewing Company mentions, Buffalo’s collaborative spirit fosters an environment where even a small city can support an array of fan-themed brews.
Buffalo: A Collaborative Brewing Community
Buffalo’s ethos of collaboration in beer mirrors its underdog status in the sports realm. Matt Kahn asserts that Buffalo isn’t about competition but about working collectively. This sentiment rings true as local breweries continue to defy national giants by delivering quality, community-focused craft beers. It’s a story of local resilience and passionate innovation, embodied by both the city’s brewers and its enduring support for the Buffalo Bills.
About the Author and BreweriesNearMe.us
Anna Hezel, a seasoned food journalist and former Buffalonian, brings her rich understanding of local culture to light. BreweriesNearMe.us, your all-in-one resource for immersing in the vibrant world of craft breweries, invites you to explore Buffalo’s exceptional beer scene. Discover exciting breweries, plan your next beer-centric getaway, and support the spirited craft communities flourishing across the United States.
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